State accepting applications for rebates for solar, wind energy systems building

The Utah Office of Energy Development has begun accepting applications on the $1 million available in rebates for solar and wind energy systems installations.

Last year's rebate program provided over 210 rebates with a total investment of nearly $7 million in renewable energy systems. It is funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aimed to stimulate employment in grid-tied renewable energy construction and increase distributed renewable energy capacity. Those eligible for rebates must have the systems installed by a licensed contractor.

"This program, as in 2010, will be an important catalyst for developing investment in renewable energy and jobs across the State of Utah," said Samantha Mary Julian, director of the OED.

The program will offer rebates for solar photovoltaic, solar thermal (hot water) and wind energy systems. The rebate for residential PV Solar will be $1.50 per DC watt with a $4,500 cap for residential and $25,000 for commercial. The rebate for solar thermal will be $40 per square foot with a $2,500 cap. The rebate for wind will be $1 per AC watt with a $2,500 cap. All systems will be subject to reasonable cost and 25 percent of total system cost limits.

Applications must be accessed from the OED Web site: www.energy.utah.gov and submitted by email in pdf format. Applications will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. on August 22 until all funds are reserved or a November 15 cutoff date is reached.

Applicants may proceed with their project after receiving notification from the Energy Office that their rebate reservation has been approved. A rebate check will be issued after the system has been installed and inspected. Rebate claim forms must be submitted by March 1, 2012.

For more information, visit: info@utahcleanenergy.org. and info@UTSOLAR.org.